Spotted Fritillary
Common NameSpotted Fritillary
Scientific NameMelitaea didyma
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, white
HabitatDry grasslands, rocky slopes, open woodlands, scrubland
Geographic RangeSouthern and Central Europe, North Africa, temperate Asia
Host PlantsPlantago spp., Veronica spp., Centaurea spp.
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in batches on host plants. Larvae are spiny, dark, and gregarious, overwintering as small caterpillars before pupating in spring.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the specific arrangement of black spots and orange bands, particularly on the underside hindwing which features prominent creamy-white and orange markings with clear black spots.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with an upperside predominantly orange-brown with a network of black spots and lines. The underside hindwing is a striking pattern of creamy-white and orange bands, heavily marked with distinct black spots.
